End of life care
This is obviously an emotional topic of discussion and of course we all hope that we’ll reach the end of our lives with dignity and comfort.
There are some specific factors to consider regarding end of life care if a person has Type 1 diabetes and a conversation with the diabetes or the palliative care team will make sure a plan is put in place at this very difficult time. It may help someone with diabetes, and their family and friends, to feel more comfortable if they know they don’t need to worry about their condition.
There may come a time right at the end of someone’s life when it is acceptable to stop all insulin but this is unusual. Stopping all insulin, even for a few hours, will lead to severe dehydration and thirst and this can be uncomfortable. However, it is certainly possible to simplify the regime and make things as easy as possible.
You may wish you take a look at these guidelines which have been written to help someone providing end of life care to a person with diabetes.
Go to ‘Getting older with diabetes’ to return to the main topic page, or choose another section.
I am now 69 and have had type 1 diabetes for 50 yrs…I am still fit, i walk a lot and work out 2 or 3 times each week. The section about End of Life is quite sobering; I realise that it will happen to all of us, but, “touch wood”, i feel that this is very much in the future, as I have a very good quality of like at present. I still have many more golf rounds left in me!!!
It seems so far off at present – but good to know a little know and have something to come back to later
Useful Info
Haven’t really given much thought to it, but plenty of good advice.
read
Things i never thought of
I have been type 1 since the age of 16 I am 50 now, I have had my ups and downs over the years and I have not had many complications except my frozen shoulder just now, just now I am on a bit of low right now due to unstable blood sugars, but its very sobering thought thinking about end of life and what could potentially be involved.
Sobering thoughts good to know present day medical thoughts
Helpful information
Despite the fact I have had type 1 diabetes for over 20 years I have learnt alt from this course. I feel that if you don’t shout up as a patient you get left behind.